Some room, less zoom in Mazda5

What exactly is it? The Mazda5 is derived from a stretched Mazda3 compact car platform, yet it looks like a station wagon, sedan, crossover and minivan -- especially with its sliding side doors that open to ...

[Mazda5 Double Take]

It is funny that it is compared to an Odyssey, CX-7 and CX-9, that is WRONG.

That is the point of the Mazda5, it may have some attributes of any of those mentioned BUT is not a Minivan nor an SUV so that is the unique component. I own an 06 and an 08 and, exactly because of those "gripes" highlighted I bought them BOTH

[zoom zoom zoom]

We are going to buy one once we get our tax refund. We dont want a mini van since they are not much better at gas mileage than an SUV.
This will be good for 3 kids under age of 5 (or even under the age of 10)
And my husband will be trading his little (turbo) sports car for this because it has the option of manual (stick) transmission.
What is it with guys and their stick? LOL

[Joe Schmo]

zoom zoom zoom wrote:

We are going to buy one once we get our tax refund. We dont want a mini van since they are not much better at gas mileage than an SUV.
This will be good for 3 kids under age of 5 (or even under the age of 10)
And my husband will be trading his little (turbo) sports car for this because it has the option of manual (stick) transmission.
What is it with guys and their stick? LOL

Tell your husband to get a Speed3 instead, and make the kids squeeze in the back, the kids will still have fun going 0-60 in under 6sec, no matter how close they're sitting...

[jon ducane]

How about a nice looking sedan instead of an ugly hybrid station wagon

[William]

At least it has some room in the back like the small wagon sector used to, but the American market seems to only get 'sports wagons' that aren't really sporty or wagons. The fact that cars from the 90's get as good or better mileage is a rather sad commentary on where the technology hasn't gone.

[Paul]

I have an '06 Mazda5 with the 5-speed manual and love it! When I see a review that compares it to a minivan I know right away that the reviewer just doesn't get it. I was not looking to buy a minivan or an SUV when I bought mine. The Mazda5 does not compete with the Honda Odessy.

I wanted a car that was small, fun to drive, and practical. The Mazda5 is all of that. It's not the family car for long trips (although it could be, if needed). Rather, it's great for the daily commute, going to Costco, Home Depot, and driving around town with the family. Much better than the Honda Civic or Nissan NX that I used to drive.

[Owner]

I also have an '06 Mazda5 and couldn't be happier. Unlike other posters, I bought it because it is a minivan (or close to one) but you can still park it in city spaces, unlike an Odyssey (it's also $10k less than an Odyssey). We fit a kid, two dogs and our stuff in it and have been very comfortable on long road trips. Great little car with tons of interior space.

[Owner]

We also outfitted ours with a set of snow tires (we have to swap out twice a year, but who cares?) and it handles far better in the snow than the AWD car we used to own. AWD is overrated--it's all about getting good traction.

[charles_s]

They should have never dropped the MPV, this is too small. We have looked at them.
I wish the car companies would get back to making wagon versions of their regular small cars. Instead they want to sell us SUVs and "crossovers".
Mazda dropped their mazda6 sportwagon.

[Bob]

I have an '06 Mazda5. I bought it because it has a nice amount of room in it yet is as narrow as a compact car. It holds a lot of cargo but is definitely smaller than a regular minivan. The manual transmission shifts very smoothly. Mine doesn't lean in corners, so I don't know what Mateja experienced. Room is quite adequate, and there's lots of good storage places all around the vehicle. I'm quite happy with it. Mileage is 25 mpg poking around in the city, or doing 80+mph. Running at a boring 55 mph might be over 30. It is very easy to change oil and add fluids. The sliding doors are great for loading and unloading.

[Stanley-Is-In]

To be totally honest, i hate the looks, in the mazda 5...